Man hit father-in-law with stubby during family feud

A DAY of cricket ended with a night of wrestling when a Goodna dad drunkenly attacked his fiancé's father and brother.

At Ipswich District Court, Shannon Jay Roberts (pictured) pleaded guilty to three charges of violence, which included assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.

Crown prosecutor Peter O'Connor said a fight between the three men erupted after they returned to Roberts' home following a day at the cricket.

Mr O'Connor said Roberts' soon-to-be brother-in-law, who suffers an intellectual disability, made a remark about how his father and Roberts were acting foolishly at the game.

In response to the comment, Roberts, 29, began acting aggressively towards his fiancé's brother and threatened to "smash his head in".

The father-in-law stepped in, shoved Roberts and told him to calm down.

Roberts reacted by hitting his fiancé's father in the head with a beer bottle. Roberts then threw punches as the two men wrestled inside the house.

During the struggle, Roberts landed a punch which struck the victim in the stomach.

The fiancé's brother joined the scuffle by punching Roberts to the side of his face.

Roberts turned his attention to his brother-in-law and punched him in the mouth.

The father-in-law then tackled Roberts to the floor, breaking a chair in the process, and pinned him to the ground.

The incident took place on January 20, 2014, about 11.30pm.

Mr O'Connor said the father-in-law was later taken to hospital and suffered bruising to his head and body.

Judge Sarah Bradley said it was fortunate the victims hadn't suffered more serious injuries.

"Your criminal history shows you are someone who has turned to aggression in the past on a number of occasions," she told Roberts.

A psychological report before the court said Roberts had felt the victims had been disrespectful towards him.

The court also heard that Roberts had a deprived and prejudiced upbringing which had resulted in some long-term issues.

Judge Bradley noted Roberts had alcohol abuse issues but had taken steps to rehabilitate himself.

Defence barrister Scott Neaves said his client had a good work history and was a parent to three children.

Mr Neaves said Roberts was still in a relationship with his partner, who was in court to support him.

Roberts was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years. He was also placed on a probation order for two years and will be required to undergo alcohol counselling and psychological treatment.